The Public Service Commission has readvertised the Director General for Health position held by Patrick Amoth in the Ministry of Health for the second time.
In a notice on Tuesday, March 19, the commission asked those who had previously applied to submit fresh applications.
An earlier vacancy announcement had been made on Tuesday, 27 February 2024 calling on interested persons to apply through the Commission website: www.publicservice.
Amoth has held the position in Acting capacity since 2019.
“The details of the post and mode of application can be accessed on the Commission’s website. Those who had applied are advised to re-apply.
“Interested and qualified persons are required to make their applications ONLINE through the Commission website: www.publicservice or jobs portal: www.psckjobs.go.ke so as to reach the Commission on or before April 2024 by 5.00 pm. (East African time),” the statement read in part.
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The fresh advertisement came following a recall demand by health unions, who argued that the previous advert breached an earlier court decision that nullified some sections of the Public Health Act.
The unions said the advert which seeks to fill among others the position of the Director General currently held by Dr Patrick Amoth has discriminated against other cadres in the requirements outlined.
“By that, it means that anybody who was going to advertise the positions that were provided by the health act cannot use the requirements that have been declared as discriminatory.
“We are saying that the PSC should recall the advert and they should rectify it to ensure that it is in line with that judgement,” Kenya Union of Clinical Officers chairperson (KUCO) chairperson Peterson Wachira said.
Questions Over Patrick Amoth Holding the Position
Questions have been raised on several occasions over the legality of Amoth holding the position in acting capacity for years.
Also, the ministry of health has been put on the spot over its hesitation to hire someone for the job. In April 2023, reports claimed that Amoth had been as the official holder of the position.
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However, the Ministry of Health clarified that he was still serving in an acting capacity. During the COVID 19 crisis Amoth took a leadership role in containing the matter, becoming one of the first Kenyans to take the vaccine.
Because of his exceptional work, the World Health Organization elected him as the president of the Executive Board in Geneva in 2021.
In June 2022, Amoth applied for the position after the Public Service Commission (PSC) advertised the vacancy.
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In October 2022, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha promised to confirm Amoth and other top officials who were working in an acting capacity.
During a health forum, she stated that there were many officials who were still serving in acting capacities, noting that she would address the situation.
“When I look around the room, I can see that many of you here are in an acting capacity. This is something I am going to address soon,” she said. Terms of Service: Five (5) years contract, renewable once.
Allowances and Qualifications
PSC indicated that to be appointed to the position, a candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in any health-related field and be registered with a relevant professional regulatory body.
Also, the person should at least be a holder of a master’s degree in public health, Medicine or any other health related field.
Applicants should also have at least 10 years’ experience in management of health services. Five of those years, according to the advert, must be at a senior management position.
At the same time, the commission detailed that the basic salary for the position is between Ksh292,765 to Ksh576,120 ever month.
This excludes allowances including a Ksh100,000 entertainment allowance, Ksh100,000 extraneous allowance, Ksh100,000 house allowance.
Additionally, the successful candidate will receive a Ksh15,600 domestic staff allowance and a medical allowance as provided in the Civil Service Medical Scheme.
The successful candidate shall be vetted by Parliament before appointment by the Cabinet Secretary for Health.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha. PHOTO/MOH
